Jean Johnson and Ione Knopp started a little quilt group back in 1982. The original meeting location was in Jean's home in Ellenton. As the members increased, meetings were held at Jean's Quilting Cabin, later known as Quilter's Haven and More. The Guild was chartered by the National Quilters Association in 1983. The first officers were President Jean Johnson, Co-President Ione Knopp, Secretary June Short, and Treasurer Betty Chennault. The first guild meeting was held in March 1983, and they had the first Quilt Show that month at the County Fairgrounds in Palmetto. A newsletter, "Manatee Patchworkers Chatter", was delivered in April. The Guild renamed the newsletter "Patchwords" with its debut that May, along with the manatee as the logo for the Manatee Patchworkers. By 1984 there were 65 members, meeting in the evenings at the Courtyard. Our Guild today absolutely follows the pattern of those early years. There were workshops, quilt shows, guest speakers, classes and cottage groups. We are continuing the vision of those early founding members. As we approach 150 members, we enjoy the many aspects of the Guild that were begun all those years ago.A few facts and firsts....• Our first quilt show had a profit of $1,000.• Georgia Bonesteel was a speaker in October 1984. Each ticket was $5.00.• Dues began at $12.00 for the year.• July 1988--first Fat Quarter Raffle, "Novelty Prints".• Patchworkers in 1989 created a Children's Handprint Quilt to be hung in the Wiggins Store Museum,604 15th Street E., Bradenton. Handprints of children were traced for a 6' x 6' quilt. • In 1990 Guild membership topped 100 with 102 members.• Kaye Wood was a featured speaker at the 1991 quilt show.• Our manatee logo "Patches" has changed over the years. Our current "Patches" debuted in 1993.• The first Guild retreat was held on August 8 and 9, 1997.

Quilt Show Names Over the Years1984--A Piece of Times1985--A Star is Born1986--The Pleasure is Ours1987--Unknown1988--Heart & Home1989--Today's Treasures1990--Among the Lilies1991--Yesterday's Lessons - Tomorrow's Treasures1992--Quilts of Pioneer Days1993--Discovery1994--For Heaven's Sake1996--Scrap Magic1998--Anniversary Rose2000--Fall Fantasy2002--A Quilter's Odyssey2004--Reach for the Stars2006--Keep the World in Stitches2008--Quilting to the Rhythm of Life2010--QuiltFest 20102012--Quilting by the River2014 --Suncoast Quilt Expo2016--Suncoast Quilt Expo